Dales pub reopens as smoke-free venue

A Yorkshire Dales pub which has been closed for three years after three centuries of trading has opened its doors once more - as a smoke-free local.

The Stone House Inn at Thruscross has escaped redevelopment following a local campaign which resulted in two families from Leeds taking over the pub together.

Simon Ogden, who is now running the pub with Kristian Rawson, said: "The inn had closed because a previous owner said it was no longer viable and planned to turn it into houses. We have researched visitor numbers, had fantastic support from local people and addressed Thruscross Parish Meeting to establish that there is sufficient demand to make reopening a success.

"We have decided to become a no-smoking pub for the health of our guests and ourselves."

Tim Mellors, a partner with Barber Titleys - which helped the licensees take over the pub - added: "In the 60 years' experience of our current licensing team, which includes working for national breweries and scores of public houses, this case is highly unusual. Generally, when rural pubs shut, they stay shut."

More than 100 local people wrote to Harrogate Council opposing a plan to redevelop the site, which was eventually rejected. One resident who wrote, Lesley Emin, says: "The Stone House Inn is the only local public meeting place. It is wonderful that it is getting a new lease of life."

Pictured: Local campaigner Lesley Emin; Thruscross Parish Meeting chairman John Verity; co-licensee, Kristian Rawson; Edith Townson, whose descendants ran The Stone House Inn in the 19th century; and Barber Titleys partner, Tim Mellors.​